We’re completing a series of enhancements at Palmares Ocean Living & Golf, advancing our original design vision for this acclaimed 27-hole resort in Portugal’s Algarve region. Improvements across the Alvor, Lagos and Praia nine-hole loops include wider fairways, expanded short-grass areas around greens, updated tee surfaces, renovated and repositioned bunkers, a new short-game area and a larger putting green. Revised irrigation and maintenance practices aim to reduce the total irrigated area by 20 percent, improve water efficiency and lower operating costs. Bruce Charlton, president of RTJ II, said: “Palmares occupies an extraordinary coastal landscape, and our approach has been to strengthen the qualities that make the course memorable while creating more options and enjoyment for a wider range of players. “We’ve increased the ‘fun factor’ for golfers of all skill levels by widening fairways and incorporating short grass as a defense instead of sand bunkers on many green complexes. We’ve also updated tee surfaces and bunkers, always respecting the character and strategic intent of the original design.” These enhancements build on that heritage: wider landing areas and closely mown surrounds provide more options into the greens, while selected bunkers are refined in keeping with RTJ II’s strategy. The goal is to improve playability without diminishing the course’s challenge, identity or dramatic setting. Photo credit to James Hogg